James Silver Western Isles Chance Restoration

The next planks to be removed were the planks at the aft end of the port side hull. The planks above the waterline were rotten on the seam edges and had more rot than sound wood to work with to make a good repair too. There are also a number of planks that need replacing under the waterline between the shaft log and the transom. Some will be short lengths as they are in good condition ahead of the shaft log. However, to get the correct spacing between plank joints there will be a number of longer planks going in to return the strength to the hull once more. The steering turning blockwhich is bolted through the planking, originally with eight bolts, However, there are only five remaining in position. There will be eight fitted back when this block is replaced and when the hull is re-planked. The massive steering turning block which is going to removed and replaced with a new seasoned oak block and then bolted back in position when the port side hull planking is finished. A photo looking

As part of Chance's restoration there are a number of planks being replaced as they are either rotten or incorrectly fitted because they are made up of short pieces  This plank is quiet a length, however, it will not be the only long plank to be replaced on the hull as there a number of long planks that have to be renewed as there a number of short planks that have been replaced in the past. The forward end of the first plank that as now been removed showing it was screwed on to one half of the double grown frame which makes up the framework of the hull. The hull as a number of double frames that make up the framework of the hull. One of the many ribs that have to be renewed as part of the restoration and give back the strength in the hull. The aft end of the first plank and fixing the plank back to the double frame as it was originally build.  

It has been a while I have posted anything on the Patreon page. It has been I have been busy with my day job as a full time boat builder and working on my client's boats and get major refits finished in time for the school holiday and some autumn cruising.  I have not forgotten about Chance and her restoration, far from it. While I have not been working on Chance herself, I have been working on some of the smaller items in my workshop and getting things sorted with these items. It has been a matter of fitting work on Chance around my day job and other family commitments. So there as been a lot of juggling going on behind the scenes.  What i do need are a few more pairs of hands to help getting some of the jobs underway on Chance's hull and frames and ribs so that we can get the starboard side sorted and the transom re-instated before the winter get here.  So if there is any one in the north Essex area who wishes to lend a hand for a few hours please contact Simon on his mobile